Conor Chell

As one of Canada’s leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) lawyers, Conor has over two decades of experience, leading and advising clients on their ESG journey. His extensive career spans a broad spectrum of large corporate clients in the energy, agriculture, natural resources, mining, financial services, and Indigenous business sectors. At KPMG, Conor leads a collaborative, cross-functional and multi-disciplinary team. They advise clients on legal risks associated with ESG disclosure and performance, ESG strategy and program development, ESG & supply chain due diligence (for example, modern slavery), and ESG policy development and training. 

An authentic and creative leader, Conor fosters an environment of open and courageous dialogue with clients. Embracing innovative thought processes promotes cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration, with balanced decision-making and continuous improvement adding meaningful value for his clients.

Conor has been twice named a Canadian Environmental Thought Leader and speaks frequently across North America on ESG topics. He has been featured in several publications and was named a Top 40 Lawyer in Canada under the age of 40 by LexisNexis.

Publications

• Interview. Canadian Lawyer Magazine. (2023). Dawn of a New Age in ESG Disclosure. 
• Interview. Daily Oil Bulletin. (2023). New ISSB Standards Give Companies Extra Year for Scope 3 Disclosures.
• Interview. Financial Post. (2023). How do you Know a Company is Accurately Rewarding the CEO for Climate Targets?
• Interview. Advisor’s Edge. (2023). Purpose Revises ESG Disclosures Amid Greater Regulatory Scrutiny.
• Interview. Globe and Mail. (2023). Legal Concerns Surrounding ESG Issues Grow as Shell Board Faces Lawsuit from Environmental Activists.
• Interview. Financial Post. (2023). OSFI Lays out Climate Risk Rules for Canada’s Big Banks and Insurers.
• Interview. Canadian Bar Association National Magazine. (2022). ESG Litigation Risks.
• Interview. Daily Oil Bulletin. (2022). Energy Companies Face Risks in Draft ISSB Sustainability Standards.
• Interview. Investment Executive. (2022) Low-Carbon Investing is Not a Simple Decision.
• Interview. Investment Executive. (2022). Canada’s Big Banks Respond to Net-Zero Pressure.
• Interview. Canadian Lawyer Magazine. (2022). Ukraine Invasion and ESG Drawing Canada and EU Closer Together, Say Lawyers. 
• Interview. Canadian Lawyer Magazine. (2021). Boards Must Deal with ESG Issues as ‘Perfect Storm’ of Activism Gets Underway.